Former Nevada Wolf Pack assistant football coach Chris Klenakis has found a new home.
Klenakis, who interview for the Wolf Pack's head coaching position last month, has been hired by Iowa State to coach its offensive line.
"Chris has been part of very productive offenses at both Nevada and Arkansas," Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads said. "His extensive knowledge and background as a coordinator in the Pistol offense will help us diversify and expand our offensive system."
Klenakis was at Nevada as offensive line coach and offensive coordinator when the Wolf Pack invented the pistol offense after the 2004 season.
"The Pistol is emerging, in both college and the NFL, as a highly potent offense that is changing how teams have to prepare defensively," Rhoads said. "Chris is a great addition to the Iowa State football program."
Bill Bleil, who coached Iowa State's offensive line the past four years, will now coach tight ends.
In 2012, Klenakis coached an Arkansas offensive line that was third in the SEC in pass offense. His Razorback line allowed the third-least sacks in the SEC.
Klenakis spent three seasons at Arkansas after also coaching at Southern Mississippi.
"I was so fired up after talking with coach Rhoads," Klenakis said. "I have watched as he built the Iowa State program and have a full appreciation for what he has accomplished so far. I am elated to be a Cyclone."
The Razorbacks led the SEC in passing offense all three seasons Klenakis was on the staff.
Klenakis was born and raised in Fallon and was the head coach of the Churchill County High football team in 1989 when the Greenwave advanced to the Nevada Class 3A playoffs. He has coached 17 offensive linemen who have advanced to the NFL including Wolf Pack players Harvey Dahl, Tony Moll, Shahriar Pourdanesh, Mike Rockwood, Deron Thorp.
